Last weekend I was invited to be part of a Pittsburgh SCBWI conference focusing on picture books. The event was rather unique because all the presenters were part of the “team” that created one picture book — The Music in George’s Head: George Gershwin Creates Rhapsody in Blue. This team included the …
Today I’m delighted to welcome two extraordinary picture book experts to our blog — Cathy Potter and Louise Capizzo. Cathy and Louise are the founders of The Nonfiction Detectives, an inspired blog where they discuss the best in children’s nonfiction books. I’ve enjoyed their blog for years, and I’m sure …
One week from today, March 6, ASTRONAUT ANNIE releases. After writing nonfiction for 20 years, this is my first fiction picture book. So it’s thrilling to see Annie launch into the world! It’s also fun to share my interest/background in space with readers. (Back in my engineering days I worked …
Today I’m thrilled to share A LADY HAS THE FLOOR, a gorgeous picture book biography by Kate Hannigan (illustrated by Alison Jay), which highlights the fascinating life and accomplishments of Belva Lockwood. A true groundbreaker of her time, Belva was a lawyer, activist, and presidential candidate (the first ever on the ballot!) …
Every January 1st I take a little time to appreciate the wonderful writing opportunities, invitations, and surprises from the past twelve months, then I jot down a few goals for the coming year. As an author it’s easy to spend a lot of time on fun, useful activities such as …
When I was young, science was my favorite subject in school and I was always on the lookout for interesting books on science topics. Today teachers, librarians, and young readers are still hunting for great STEM books. Fortunately, it seems more and more wonderful science titles are being published lately. …
This past Saturday I attended a fabulous conference — the annual SCBWI Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day at Harper College in Palatine, IL. (Okay, I might be slightly biased because I’m on the conference planning committee, but all the attendees I spoke with were thrilled with the event!) The theme …
Would you mind if this post starts on a personal note? I hope it’s okay — because here goes. This morning (Monday) I attended the funeral of my dear friend Mary Dunn. I met Mary 18 years ago. She was the instructor of a writing class I took at our …
Exciting news! My picture book biography about Jane Addams, DANGEROUS JANE (illustrated by Alice Ratterree) releases from Peachtree Publishers September 1st — just in time for Jane’s birthday on September 6th! So I’d like to celebrate Ms. Addams by sharing a bit of my research, interviewing illustrator Alice Ratterree, and offering a …
Big treat on Picture Book Builders today! The fabulous, non-fiction queen, April Pulley Sayre, is joining us to share a few details about her upcoming book, FULL OF FALL, releasing from Beach Lane Books next month. The book also includes gorgeous photographs taken by the multi-talented April. I’ve been a …